Adolescent outcomes after very preterm birth using a holistic exposome approach
Official title: Adolescent Outcomes in Infants Born Very Preterm: An Exposome Approach
Funded at Women and Infants Hospital-Rhode Island · NIH-11446657 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant aims to understand how a wide range of environmental, biological, and social factors together influence development in kids born very preterm.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Women and Infants Hospital-Rhode Island NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project start | September 21, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $936,631 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HD120477-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11446657 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children born very preterm (<32 weeks gestation) and their families who can be followed over time.
✕Less likely to help
Some children may not show strong associations with the studied exposures or may not benefit from the tailored insights in the near term.
What this research studies
Babies born very preterm face higher risks for neurodevelopmental and behavioral challenges as they grow. The study will look at multiple exposures and personal factors across time to see how they combine to shape outcomes from infancy through adolescence. Researchers will use holistic data methods to capture the total exposome and its relationship to development in these children. Findings could help tailor interventions to those most at risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to better prediction of which preterm children need extra support and inform targeted prevention strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research supports the value of holistic exposure models; this project aims to extend those approaches to very preterm populations.
Where this research is happening
-
Women and Infants Hospital-Rhode Island
Providence, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lester, Barry M. — Women and Infants Hospital-Rhode Island
- Study coordinator: Lester, Barry M.
Related research
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A study in pregnant people will test whether screening for Chlamydia trachomatis and treating it during pregnancy can reduce the risk of babies being born too early.
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PREEMIE PROGRESS: a family program to help parents of very preterm babies
A family-centered program that teaches parents how to care for very preterm infants, offers psychosocial support, and connects families with resources to address social needs.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.